System and method for shaft heat treament for correction slow roll

ABSTRACT

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise an computer readable storage device having instructions stored therein that are indicative of reducing slow roll electrical runout value of a shaft of an electric motor, the shaft having a runout sensing area; the instructions including determining an electrical runout value for the runout sensing area; rotating the shaft; determining the temperature range and time interval for heating the runout sensing area of the shaft sufficient to reduce the electrical runout value; and heating the shaft sensing area during shaft rotation at the calculated temperature range for the calculated time interval.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of, claims priority to, andincorporates by reference herein in its entirety, Ser. No. 11/236,444,filed Sep. 27, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,635,828, which claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/614,808, filed 30 Sep. 2004.

BACKGROUND

Rotating equipment can be utilized in many manufacturing applications.Rotating equipment failures can cause lost production time, injury topersonnel, and/or loss of capital equipment. One possible cause ofrotating equipment failure can be failures due to excessive vibrations.Accordingly, some rotating equipment can be operated with at least oneproximity probe, such as an eddy current proximity probe that can beadapted to continually monitor vibrations (e.g., radial displacements ofa rotating part) to detect vibration values in excess of a predeterminedthreshold.

Proximity probes or proximity measuring systems can be used for themeasurement, monitoring, and/or analysis of axial and/or radial shaftvibration (peak-to-peak displacement amplitude) in rotating machinery. Aproximity probe or transducer can be placed in a position defined by amount. Read-outs from proximity probes, such as via oscilloscope, meter,and/or x-y recorder, might not provide an accurate indication of theshaft motion relative to the proximity probe or transducer.

Instead, data provided by the probe can reflect movement of the shaftrelative to the probe, electrical properties of the shaft, and/orinaccuracies generated by the probe itself. The impact of shaft movementcan be referred to as “mechanical runout”. The impact of the electricalproperties of the shaft can be referred to as “electrical runout”. Theimpact of the probe's inaccuracies can be referred to as “probe noise”.

Eddy current proximity probes can derive distances, such as proximities,utilizing induced electrical currents in the material of the rotatingpart. Some level of inaccuracy in the values obtained from the probe canbe present, however, which can be due to any number of factors, such asinstrumentation error, mechanical runout, and/or electrical runout,etc., any of which can vary with measurement location. Electricalrunout, often called glitch, can result from variations in electricalproperties of the shaft material.

Causes for mechanical runout can comprise aberrations in cross-sectionalshape and/or axial flatness, etc., bearing hydrostatic effects, bearinghydrodynamic effects, etc.

A possible test procedure, to assess inaccuracies comprised in valuesobtained from the probe, can involve rotating a shaft at a speed belowand/or far below a normal operating speed. Such a test procedure can bereferred to as a “slow roll” test. A displacement signal that aproximity probe provides during a slow roll test can be called a “slowroll value”.

Rotating equipment can have a maximum specified slow roll value abovewhich the rotating equipment is considered inoperable since the slowroll can mask shaft movement due to dynamically variable vibration.Hence a system and method to reduce electrical runout in shafts toreduce slow roll is disclosed.

SUMMARY

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise systems and methods for providinga heat treatment procedure to reduce a slow roll value of a proximityprobe sensing area of a shaft. In certain exemplary embodiments the heattreatment procedure can improve shaft homogeneity and decreasemeasurement variations in the proximity probe sensing area. Reducing theslow roll value of the sensing area of the shaft can reduce proximityprobe sensing errors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A wide variety of potential embodiments will be more readily understoodthrough the following detailed description of certain exemplaryembodiments, with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 2000;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an informationdevice 3000; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a shaft mounted on a system 4000.

DEFINITIONS

When the following terms are used substantively herein, the accompanyingdefinitions apply:

-   -   a—at least one.    -   activity—an action, act, step, and/or process or portion        thereof.    -   adapted to—made suitable or fit for a specific use or situation.    -   adapter—a device used to effect operative compatibility between        different parts of one or more pieces of an apparatus or system.    -   adjacent—in close proximity.    -   air—the earth's atmospheric gas.    -   and/or—either in conjunction with or in alternative to.    -   apparatus—an appliance or device for a particular purpose.    -   applying—to put to use for a purpose.    -   approximately—nearly the same as.    -   area—a surface with determinable boundaries.    -   automatically—acting or operating in a manner essentially        independent of external influence or control. For example, an        automatic light switch can turn on upon “seeing” a person in its        view, without the person manually operating the light switch.    -   bearing journal—an area of a shaft adapted to turn within a        device that supports, guides, and reduces the friction of motion        between fixed and moving machine parts.    -   below—less than in magnitude.    -   calculating—computing.    -   can—is capable of, in at least some embodiments.    -   carbonizing flame—an oxyacetylene flame in which there is an        excess of acetylene.    -   comprising—including but not limited to.    -   connect—to join or fasten together.    -   controlling—directing.    -   coolant—a first substance adapted to reduce thermal energy in a        second substance.    -   cooling—reducing a temperature of a substance.    -   coupleable—capable of being joined, connected, and/or linked        together.    -   coupling—linking in some fashion.    -   data—distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a        special or predetermined way and/or organized to express        concepts.    -   define—to establish the outline, form, or structure of.    -   determined—found and/or decided upon.    -   determining—to find out or come to a decision about by        investigation, reasoning, or calculation.    -   device—a machine, manufacture, and/or collection thereof.    -   diameter—a length of a straight line segment passing through a        center of an object and terminating at the periphery thereof.    -   eddy current proximity probe—a device adapted to detect changes        in a magnetic flux density field generated by the presence of a        metal object. Those changes in the field, which are detected by        the probe, are proportional to the distance to the object. The        probe comprises an inductance element that surrounds a ferrite        core which when excited by an electrical current, generates a        magnetic flux field. The magnetic field, in turn, generates        eddy-currents in the object, thereby causing losses in its flux        density. The probe detects those losses in the magnetic flux        density.    -   electric heat—thermal energy generated by the flow of electric        charge through a conductor.    -   electric motor—a motion-imparting device powered by electricity.    -   electrical runout—a property of a rotating shaft causing a        proximity probe to give an incorrect indication of a distance        between the proximity probe and the rotating shaft.    -   exceeding—greater than.    -   fabricated—made or created.    -   final machining preparing a surface of a mechanical component        for use in as a device or a device component.    -   flooding—an abundant flow of a liquid.    -   focus—to cause energy to concentrate or converge.    -   ground—shaped or machined utilizing friction.    -   heat—energy associated with the motion of atoms or molecules and        capable of being transmitted through solid and fluid media by        conduction, through fluid media by convection, and through an        empty space and/or fluid by radiation.    -   heating—transferring energy from one substance to another        resulting in an increase in temperature of one substance.    -   heating element—component of a heater or range that transforms        fuel or electricity into heat.    -   indicative—serving to indicate.    -   information—data that has been organized to express concepts.    -   information device—any device capable of processing information,        such as any general purpose and/or special purpose computer,        such as a personal computer, workstation, server, minicomputer,        mainframe, supercomputer, computer terminal, laptop, wearable        computer, and/or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), mobile        terminal, Bluetooth device, communicator. “smart” phone (such as        a Treo-like device), messaging service (e.g., Blackberry)        receiver, pager, facsimile, cellular telephone, a traditional        telephone, telephonic device, a programmed microprocessor or        microcontroller and/or peripheral integrated circuit elements,        an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a hardware electronic logic        circuit such as a discrete element circuit, and/or a        programmable logic device such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, or PAL, or        the like, etc. In general any device on which resides a finite        state machine capable of implementing at least a portion of a        method, structure, and/or or graphical user interface described        herein may be used as an information device. An information        device can comprise components such as one or more network        interfaces, one or more processors, one or more memories        containing instructions, and/or one or more input/output (I/O)        devices, one or more user interfaces coupled to an I/O device,        etc.    -   infrared temperature scanner—a device adapted to measure an        objects temperature based upon emitted radiation having        wavelengths between approximately 750 nanometers and        approximately 1 millimeter.    -   install—to connect or set in position and prepare for use.    -   input/output (I/O) device—any sensory-oriented input and/or        output device, such as an audio, visual, haptic, olfactory,        and/or taste-oriented device, including, for example, a monitor,        display, projector, overhead display, keyboard, keypad, mouse,        trackball, joystick, gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel,        pointing device, microphone, speaker, video camera, camera,        scanner, printer, haptic device, vibrator, tactile simulator,        and/or tactile pad, potentially including a port to which an I/O        device can be attached or connected.    -   lathe—a machine for rotating a piece of material, such as wood        or metal, about an axis.    -   length—a measurement of a greatest dimension of an object.    -   liquid—a state of matter in which as substance exhibits a        readiness to flow.    -   machine instructions—directions adapted to cause a machine to        perform a particular operation or function.    -   machine readable medium—a physical structure from which a        machine can obtain data and/or information. Examples include a        memory, punch cards, etc.    -   may—is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some        embodiments.    -   memory device—an apparatus capable of storing analog or digital        information, such as instructions and/or data. Examples include        a non-volatile memory, volatile memory, Random Access Memory,        RAM, Read Only Memory, ROM, flash memory, magnetic media, a hard        disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical media, an        optical disk, a compact disk, a CD, a digital versatile disk, a        DVD, and/or a raid array, etc. The memory device can be coupled        to a processor and/or can store instructions adapted to be        executed by processor, such as according to an embodiment        disclosed herein.    -   measured—determined, as a dimension, quantification, and/or        capacity, etc. by observation.    -   method—a process, procedure, and/or collection of related        activities for accomplishing something.    -   network—a communicatively coupled plurality of nodes.    -   network interface—any device, system, or subsystem capable of        coupling an information device to a network. For example, a        network interface can be a telephone, cellular phone, cellular        modem, telephone data modem, fax modem, wireless transceiver,        ethernet card, cable modem, digital subscriber line interface,        bridge, hub, router, or other similar device.    -   non-sensing area—a region of a shaft surface not adjacent to an        eddy current proximity probe.    -   obtaining—the act of receiving, calculating, determining, or        computing.    -   packet—a discrete instance of communication.    -   plurality—the state of being plural and/or more than one.    -   predetermined—established in advance.    -   prevent—keep an event from happening.    -   processor—a device and/or set of machine-readable instructions        for performing one or more predetermined tasks. A processor can        comprise any one or a combination of hardware, firmware, and/or        software. A processor can utilize mechanical, pneumatic,        hydraulic, electrical, magnetic optical, informational,        chemical, and/or biological principles, signals, and/or inputs        to perform the task(s). In certain embodiments, a processor can        act upon information by manipulating, analyzing, modifying,        converting, transmitting the information for use by an        executable procedure and/or an information device, and/or        routing the information to an output device. A processor can        function as a central processing unit, local controller, remote        controller, parallel controller, and/or distributed controller,        etc. Unless stated otherwise, the processor can be a        general-purpose device, such as a microcontroller and/or a        microprocessor, such the Pentium IV series of microprocessor        manufactured by the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. In        certain embodiments, the processor can be dedicated purpose        device, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit        (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that has been        designed to implement in its hardware and/or firmware at least a        part of an embodiment disclosed herein.    -   profile—a quantitative description of an object.    -   range—an extent of variation.    -   rate—a change of a quantity with respect to time.    -   receiving—obtaining, taking, and/or acquiring.    -   render—make perceptible to a human, for example as data,        commands, text, graphics, audio, video, animation, and/or        hyperlinks, etc., such as via any visual, audio, and/or haptic        means, such as via a display, monitor, electric paper, ocular        implant, cochlear implant, speaker, etc.    -   regrinding—a second shaping or machining utilizing friction        following a first shaping or machining utilizing friction.    -   repeatedly—again and again: repetitively.    -   responsive—reacting to an influence and/or impetus.    -   revolutions per minute—a number of complete rotations about an        axis during a time period of one minute.    -   rotation—an act or process of turning around a center or an        axis.    -   rotating—turning about an axis.    -   sensing area—a predetermined region of a shaft surface adjacent        to which an eddy current proximity probe will be utilized to        measure slow roll of the shaft.    -   set—a related plurality.    -   shaft—a cylindrical bar adapted to rotate about an axis.    -   size—physical dimensions, proportions, magnitude, or extent of        an object.    -   slow roll—a sum of instrumentation error, a mechanical runout,        and an electrical runout of a rotating shaft.    -   speed—a linear or rotational velocity.    -   stator—a stationary portion of a machine.    -   store—to place, hold, and/or retain data, typically in a memory.    -   substantially—to a great extent or degree.    -   supply line—a pipe or tube through which a substance is        transferred.    -   support—to bear the weight of, especially from below.    -   system—a collection of mechanisms, devices, data, and/or        instructions, the collection designed to perform one or more        specific functions.    -   targeted—a desired goal.    -   temperature—a measure of thermal energy of a substance.    -   thermal distortion—an undesired change in an object caused by a        temperature variation.    -   threshold—a point that when exceeded produces a given effect or        result.    -   time interval—an amount of time between to specified instants,        events, or states.    -   user interface—any device for rendering information to a user        and/or requesting information from the user. A user interface        includes at least one of textual, graphical, audio, video,        animation, and/or haptic elements. A textual element can be        provided, for example, by a printer, monitor, display,        projector, etc. A graphical element can be provided, for        example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/or visual        indication device, such as a light, flag, beacon, etc. An audio        element can be provided, for example, via a speaker, microphone,        and/or other sound generating and/or receiving device. A video        element or animation element can be provided, for example, via a        monitor, display, projector, and/or other visual device. A        haptic element can be provided, for example, via a very low        frequency speaker, vibrator, tactile stimulator, tactile pad,        simulator, keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, joystick,        gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel, pointing device, and/or        other haptic device, etc. A user interface can include one or        more textual elements such as, for example, one or more letters,        number, symbols, etc. A user interface can include one or more        graphical elements such as, for example, an image, photograph,        drawing, icon, window, title bar, panel, sheet, tab, drawer,        matrix, table, form, calendar, outline view, frame, dialog box,        static text, text box, list, pick list, pop-up list, pull-down        list, menu, tool bar, dock, check box, radio button, hyperlink,        browser, button, control, palette, preview panel, color wheel,        dial, slider, scroll bar, cursor, status bar, stepper, and/or        progress indicator, etc. A textual and/or graphical element can        be used for selecting, programming, adjusting, changing,        specifying, etc. an appearance, background color, background        style, border style, border thickness, foreground color, font,        font style, font size, alignment, line spacing, indent, maximum        data length, validation, query, cursor type, pointer type,        autosizing, position, and/or dimension, etc. A user interface        can include one or more audio elements such as, for example, a        volume control, pitch control, speed control, voice selector,        and/or one or more elements for controlling audio play, speed,        pause, fast forward, reverse, etc. A user interface can include        one or more video elements such as, for example, elements        controlling video play, speed, pause, fast forward, reverse,        zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, and/or tilt, etc. A user interface        can include one or more animation elements such as, for example,        elements controlling animation play, pause, fast forward,        reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, tilt, color, intensity,        speed, frequency, appearance, etc. A user interface can include        one or more haptic elements such as, for example, elements        utilizing tactile stimulus, force, pressure, vibration, motion,        displacement, temperature, etc.    -   value—an assigned or calculated numerical quantity.    -   via—by way of and/or utilizing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising a pluralityof activities comprising, for a shaft of an electric motor, the shaftcomprising a runout sensing area: determining an electrical runout valuefor the runout sensing area; rotating the shaft; and/or heating therunout sensing area of the shaft sufficient to reduce the electricalrunout value.

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system comprising: a heatingelement; and a control system adapted to control a heating of a shaft toa temperature within a predetermined temperature range for apredetermined time interval, the heating sufficient to reduce anelectrical runout value of the shaft, the heating occurring while theshaft is rotating.

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising a pluralityof activities comprising: receiving information indicative of a firstrunout value for a shaft; automatically determining a temperature rangefor heating the shaft to reduce the first runout value; and/orautomatically determining a time interval for heating the shaft toreduce the first runout value.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a shaft 4100 in a system 4000. System 4000can be adapted to measure a slow roll value and/or an electrical runoutvalue of a sensing area of shaft 4100. Shaft 4100 can be releasablymounted to system 4000, such as by bolting bearings mechanically coupledto shaft 4100 to a frame associated with system 4000. System 4000 cancomprise a speed sensor and/or controller adapted to rotate shaft 4100at a rotational speed sufficiently slow to measure a slow roll value. Arotational speed that is sufficiently slow to measure the slow rollvalue can be approximately, in revolutions per minute (rpm), 150, 131.3,104.9, 101, 98.6, 67.4, 45, 33.3, 25, 18.7, 15, 12.9, 9, 6.5, 3.3, 1.2,0.45, and/or any other value or subrange therebetween.

Shaft 4100 can comprise a sensing area. The sensing area can beassociated with proximity probes 4300, 4500, which can be eddy currentproximity probes. Proximity probes 4300, 4500 can be probes produced byany proximity probe manufacturer. For example, either of proximityprobes 4300, 4500 can be a series 3300 proximity probe or a series 4000proximity probe manufactured by Bently Nevada of Minden, Nev. Proximityprobes 4300, 4500 can be adapted to measure a slow roll value associatedwith shaft 4100. An electrical runout value associated with the sensingarea can be determined from the slow roll value.

For example, the electrical runout value can be determined by comparinga signal from proximity probe 4300 to a signal from proximity probe 4500mounted at right angles to each other with respect to shaft 4100, eachof which probes can operate and/or be excited at a different frequency.Probe 4300 or probe 4500 can be mounted with an orientation that issubstantially the same as a probe adapted to be mounted in a motorcomprising shaft 4100. An angular position sensor 4700, such as anangular position sensor manufactured by Bently Nevada of Minden, Nev.,can provide a correlation for a signal from each of proximity probes4300, 4500 to a particular angular location of shaft 4100. For example,angular position sensor 4700 can detect a shaft mark 4200 and canprovide timing information indicative of angular displacements of shaft4100 relative to shaft mark 4200. Signals from proximity probes 4500,4600 can be provided to an information device communicatively coupled toprobes 4300, 4500 by leads 4400, 4600. Signals from angular positionsensor 4700 can be provided to the information device communicativelycoupled to angular position sensor 4700 via lead 4800. The informationdevice can process the signals and provide a slow roll value and/or anelectrical runout value associated with the sensing area of shaft 4100.

The information device can be adapted to determine a size and/orlocation of a sensing area of shaft 4100. The sensing area size can bedetermined and/or calculated based upon a length and/or diameter ofshaft 4100 and/or other characteristics of shaft 4100 and/or proximityprobes 4300, 4500.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000,which can comprise a shaft-rotating device 1100. For example,shaft-rotating device 1100 can be adapted from a lathe, boring machine,broaching machine, facing machine, grinder, mill, press drill, shaper,tapping machine, and/or threading machine, etc. Shaft-rotating device1100 can comprise steady rests to support a weight of a shaft 1200.

Shaft-rotating device 1100 can comprise a speed sensor and/or controller1550. Speed sensor and/or controller 1550 can be adapted to measureand/or control a rotational speed of shaft 1200 mounted onshaft-rotating device 1100. Speed sensor and/or controller 1550 can beadapted to rotate shaft 1200 at approximately a predetermined and/ortargeted rotational speed, such as a speed determined appropriate for aprocess involving heating the shaft to reduce electrical runout.

The targeted rotational speed for heating can be approximately, in rpm,199, 151.8, 112.1, 107, 95.3, 77.1, 48, 31.8, 18.6, 25, 15, 11.3, 9,5.4, 3.1, 1.8, 0.76, and/or any other value or subrange therebetween.

Shaft-rotating device 1100 can be adapted to receive shaft 1200. Shaft1200 can be releasably attached to shaft-rotating device 1100 in orderto reduce an electrical runout value of shaft 1200. Shaft 1200 can beany shaft from a rotating machine such as a fan, pump, electric motor,gearbox, rotary mixer, centrifuge, and/or agitator, etc. In certainexemplary embodiments, shaft 1200 can be a shaft associated with a newrotating machine. In certain exemplary embodiments, shaft 1200 can be ashaft associated with a previously operated rotating machine.

Shaft 120 can be comprised of any metal such as an alloy steel. Forexample, shaft 1200 can be comprised of any alloy steel, such as analloy steel from series 1000, 4000, 6000, or 9000, etc. For example,shaft 1200 can be comprised of a steel selected from the set of 1045,4130, 4140, or 4340. In certain exemplary embodiments, shaft 1200 cancomprise vacuum degassed steel.

Responsive to a detected electrical runout value associated with shaft1200 exceeding a predetermined threshold, shaft 1200 can be heated inorder to reduce the electrical runout value of the sensing area.

System 1000 can comprise a heating element 1350 that can be adapted toheat shaft 1200 in order to reduce an electrical runout value associatedwith the sensing area. Heating element 1350 can heat shaft 1200 viaelectrical induction heating, conductive heating, heating via a neutralflame, heating via a slightly carbonizing flame, and/or heating via acarbonizing flame, etc. A slightly carbonizing flame can be described ascomprising a blue envelope and a short bright inner core. In certainexemplary embodiments, when utilizing a flame for heat, the heat can beapplied by oscillating the flame. In certain exemplary embodiments, whenheating element 1350 utilizes a flame, the flame can be positioned adistance away from shaft 1200, in inches, of approximately 0.5, 0.75,0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.9, 2, 2.01, 2.4, 3.1, 3.45, 3.6, 4.01,and/or any value or subrange therebetween.

Heating element 1350 can heat shaft 1200 to a temperature and/ortemperature range sufficient to reduce the electrical runout value ofthe sensing area of shaft 1200. For example, system 1100 can be adaptedto heat shaft 1200 to a temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, ofapproximately 399.9, 487, 522.2, 587.6, 600, 645.5, 699, 703.7, 778.9,800, 801.1, 850, 922, 1000, 1200, 1321, 1400, and/or any value orsubrange therebetween.

Heating element 1350 can apply heat to shaft 1200 for a time interval inminutes of approximately 2.01, 3.9, 4.12, 4.5, 5, 5.7, 6, 6.11, 6.5,7.2, 7.65, 8, 8.4, 9, 10, 10.3, 11.2, 11.9, 12.5, 15, and/or any valueor subrange of time therebetween.

A flow of heat can be regulated and/or controlled via changing a flow ofenergy from energy source 1300. Energy source 1300 can be a supply ofelectrical energy, thermal energy, and/or chemical energy (e.g.,hydrocarbon based gaseous or liquid fuels). Energy from energy source1300 can be controlled via regulator 1650. Regulator 1650 can be adaptedfor automatic and/or manual control of energy from energy source 1300. Adesign of regulator 1650 can depend upon the nature of energy source1300. For example, in embodiments utilizing electrical energy, regulator1650 can be any electrical device adapted to control a flow ofelectrical current such as a potentiometer, variable R-C circuit,variable inductor, and/or tuning circuit, etc. In embodiments utilizinga gaseous or liquid fuel, regulator 1650 can be a control valve.

A temperature of the sensing area of shaft 1200 can be monitored via aninfrared temperature scanner 1525.

While applying heat via heating element 1350, other areas of shaft 1200can be cooled. For example, collars 1425 and 1450 can be releasablyattached to shaft 1200. In certain exemplary embodiments, collars 1425,1450 can be comprise flanges that can be bolted together to releasablyattach collars 1425, 1450 to shaft 1200. In certain exemplaryembodiments, collars 1425, 1450 can be single piece collars adapted toslidably mount on shaft 1200. A liquid coolant can be supplied tocollars 1425, 1450 to cool shaft 1200. For example, the liquid coolantcan be applied to areas of shaft 1200 adjacent to the sensing area. Theliquid coolant can be any fluid adapted to provide an adequate coolingof shaft 1200, such as water, a glycol based fluid, an oil based fluid,a silicon based fluid, and/or a synthetic aromatic fluid, etc. Applyinga liquid coolant to cool shaft 1200 in areas other than the sensing areacan resist a thermal distortion of shaft 1200.

A flow of liquid coolant to cool shaft 1200 can be regulated by acontrol valve 1600. Control valve 1600 can be adapted to adjust a flowof liquid coolant to cool shaft 1200 sufficiently to resist thermaldistortion of the shaft, while heating the sensing area of shaft 1200sufficiently to reduce electrical runout.

In certain exemplary embodiments, system 1000 can comprise a controlsystem comprising an information device 1700, which can comprise aclient program 1800 and a user interface 1750. Information device 1700can receive information regarding shaft 1200 via sensors and/or inputsreceived from a user. Information regarding shaft 1200 can comprise ametallurgical composition, length, diameter, profile, electrical runoutvalue prior to heat treatment and/or maximum desired electrical runoutvalue, etc.

Client program 1800 can be adapted to determine the sensing area, whichcan vary depending on the type of probe used, the shaft diameter, etc.

Client program 1800 can be adapted to determine the temperature rangeand/or the time interval for heating shaft 1200 to reduce electricalrunout. The temperature range can be determined based upon shaftmetallurgy, an electrical runout value, a targeted threshold forreducing the electrical runout value, and/or other characteristics ofshaft 1200. A maximum temperature for heating shaft 1200 can bedetermined from shaft metallurgy. The maximum temperature can bedetermined in order to resist substantially impairing physicalproperties of shaft 1200 as a result of grain structure changes. Forexample, a database can be stored in a memory device communicativelycoupled to information device 1700. The information device can compriseinformation related to metallurgical alloys and time-temperaturetransformation curves associated with particular metallurgical alloys.

The time interval for heating shaft 1200 can be determined based uponthe metallurgical properties of shaft 1200 and/or other characteristicsof shaft 1200. The time interval can be related to the temperature rangein that the time interval can be selected to resist substantiallyimpairing physical properties of shaft 1200 as a result of grainstructure changes. Thus, at a higher temperature range for heating shaft1200, the time interval can be reduced as compared to a lowertemperature range.

Client program 1800 can be adapted to control regulator 1650 responsiveto a temperature and/or or a rate of change of temperature measured byinfrared temperature scanner 1525. Controlling regulator 1650 cancontrol the temperature of the slow roll sensing area with a temperaturerange such as for a period of time within a time interval.

In certain exemplary embodiments, client program 1800 can be adapted todetermine a targeted rotational speed for machine 1100 to rotate shaft1200 for heating shaft 1200 to reduce electrical runout. The targetedrotational speed can be determined based upon characteristics of shaft1200.

Client program 1800 can be adapted to determine a cooling rate for theslow roll sensing area of the shaft. The cooling rate can be determinedbased upon metallurgy and/or other characteristics of shaft 1200. Incertain exemplary embodiments, energy flow from via heating element 1350can be reduced gradually to achieve a targeted cooling rate.

Client program 1800 can be adapted to control liquid coolant flow toshaft 1200, via adjusting control valve 1600, responsive to a flow ofheat to heating element 1350 and/or information obtained by infraredtemperature scanner 1525.

In certain exemplary embodiments, client program 1800 can be adapted toadaptively learn and improve performance of system 1000. For example,client program 1800 can receive electrical runout measurements beforeand after a heat treatment of shaft 1200 and/or information related tostrength properties of shaft 1200. Client program 1800 can be adapted tocorrelate variables measured during heat treatment to objective resultsregarding electrical runout and shaft strength properties. Clientprogram 1800 can be adapted to randomly and/or heuristically varyparameters associated with heat treatment such as the temperature range,time interval, shaft metallurgy, and/or flow of liquid coolant. Clientprogram 1800 can use an optimization algorithm to seek optimal points ona response surfaces associated with heat treatment to reduce electricalrunout in shafts. For example, the optimization algorithm can use alinear programming technique, golden search algorithm, Hooke and Jeeves'method, and/or Nelder and Mead's method, etc.

User interface 1750 can be adapted to render information regardingreducing the electrical runout value of shaft 1200. For example, userinterface 1750 can render information regarding a detected slow rollvalue or an electrical runout measurement. User interface 1750 canrender information regarding heating shaft 1200, such as a temperaturedetected by infrared temperature scanner 1525, a flow of heat to heatingelement 1350, and/or a liquid coolant flow to collars 1425, 1450. Userinterface 1750 can be adapted to render information regarding thetemperature range and the time interval.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 2000. Atactivity 2100, a slow roll value associated with a sensing area can bemeasured, detected, and/or received. The sensing area can be a slow rollsensing area and/or a runout sensing area of a shaft. In certainexemplary embodiments, the shaft can be a shaft of an electric motor.The slow roll value can be detected via a proximity probe, such as aneddy current proximity probe. In certain exemplary embodiments, the slowroll value can be compared to a predetermined threshold. If the slowroll value is below the predetermined threshold, the shaft can beutilized without reducing the slow roll value. If the slow roll valueexceeds a predetermined threshold, activities can continue at activity2200.

At activity 2200, an electrical runout value associated with the sensingarea can be determined. The electrical runout value can be determinedbased upon the slow roll value and information indicative of amechanical runout associated with the slow roll value. In certainexemplary embodiments, the electrical runout value can be compared to apredetermined threshold. If the electrical runout value is below thepredetermined threshold, the shaft can be utilized without reducing theelectrical runout value. If the electrical runout value exceeds apredetermined threshold, activities can continue at activity 2300.

At activity 2300, the shaft can be rotated. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the shaft can be rotated at a speed of less thanapproximately 30 revolutions per minute in order to heat the sensingarea to reduce the electrical runout value of the shaft.

At activity 2400, the shaft can be heated at the sensing area. Thesensing area of the shaft can be heated to approximately within apredetermined temperature range for approximately a predetermined timeinterval, the heating of the shaft can be sufficient to reduce theelectrical runout value. In certain exemplary embodiments, a fireextinguisher can be provided for safety purposes.

At activity 2500, a non-sensing area of the shaft can be cooled via aliquid coolant. Cooling the non-sensing area of the shaft can resist athermal distortion of the non-sensing area. For example, a coolant linecan be positioned on a hearing journal area of the shaft, which canflood the bearing journal area with a liquid coolant during heatingactivity 2400. Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise water/coolanthoses and/or a sump truck for providing liquid coolant.

At activity 2600, the sensing area can be cooled. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the shaft can be air cooled, at a controlled oruncontrolled rate, such as to a temperature of less than approximately200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Activity 2100 through activity 2600 can be repeated until a measuredelectrical runout value and/or slow roll value is less than apredetermined threshold.

At activity 2700, the shaft can be ground and/or machined. In certainexemplary embodiments, sensing surfaces of the shaft can be ground towithin approximately five thousandths of an inch of a final radius priorto heating the shaft for reducing electrical runout. Grinding and/ormachining the shaft can prepare the shaft for use in a machine such asan electric motor.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an informationdevice 3000, which in certain operative embodiments can comprise, forexample, information device 1700 of FIG. 1. Information device 3000 cancomprise any of numerous components, such as for example, one or morenetwork interfaces 3100, one or more processors 3200, one or morememories 3300 containing instructions 3400, one or more input/output(I/O) devices 3500, and/or one or more user interfaces 3600 coupled toI/O device 3500, etc.

In certain exemplary embodiments, via one or more user interfaces 3600,such as a graphical user interface, a user can view a rendering ofinformation related to heating a shaft to reduce electrical runout of ashaft.

Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled inthis art from reading the above-recited detailed description anddrawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood thatnumerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments arepossible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, andembodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope ofthis application. For example, regardless of the content of any portion(e.g., title, field, background, summary, abstract, drawing figure,etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary,such as via an explicit definition, there is no requirement for theinclusion in any claim herein (or of any claim of any applicationclaiming priority hereto) of any particular described or illustratedcharacteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequenceof activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements.Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed bymultiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Further, anyactivity or element can be excluded, the sequence of activities canvary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. Accordingly,the descriptions and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative innature, and not as restrictive. Moreover, when any number or range isdescribed herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or rangeis approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearlystated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and allsubranges therein. Any information in any material (e.g., a UnitedStates patent, United States patent application, book, article, etc.)that has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated byreference to the extent that no conflict exists between such informationand the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event ofsuch conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claimherein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting informationin such incorporated by reference material is specifically notincorporated by reference herein.

1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having programinstructions tangibly stored thereon executable by a processor toperform a method comprising: receive and store slow roll informationindicative of a first electrical runout value of a sensing area of ashaft of an electric motor; automatically determine a temperature rangefor heating the sensing area of the shaft to reduce the first electricalrunout value in response to stored information concerning shaft materialmetallurgic properties; automatically determine a time interval forheating the sensing area of the shaft to reduce the first electricalrunout value in response to stored information concerning shaft materialtime-temperature transformation; and automatically heat the sensing areaof the shaft during shaft rotation sufficient to reduce the firstelectrical runout value based on the temperature range and heating timeinterval determinations.
 2. The computer-readable medium of claim 1,further comprising: instructions stored on the medium for receivinginformation indicative of a diameter of the shaft.
 3. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 1 further comprising: instructionsstored on the medium for receiving information indicative of a length ofthe shaft.
 4. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, furthercomprising: instructions stored on the medium for receiving informationindicative of a profile of the shaft.
 5. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 1, further comprising: instructions stored on the medium fordetermining a size of a slow roll sensing area of the sensing area ofthe shaft.
 6. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, furthercomprising: instructions stored on the medium for determining a targetedthreshold for reducing the first electrical runout value of the slowroll sensing area of the shaft.
 7. The computer-readable medium of claim1, further comprising: instructions stored on the medium for receiving atemperature of the slow roll sensing area of the shaft.
 8. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 1, further comprising: instructionsstored on the medium for automatically controlling the temperature ofthe slow roll sensing area of the shaft within the temperature range. 9.The computer-readable medium of claim 1, further comprising:instructions stored on the medium for automatically controlling thetemperature of the slow roll sensing area of the shaft within thetemperature range for a period of time within the time interval.
 10. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 1, further comprising: instructionsstored on the medium for automatically cooling a non-sensing area of theshaft.
 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, further comprising:instructions stored on the medium for determining a targeted rotationalspeed for the electric motor shaft for heating the shaft to reduceelectrical runout.
 12. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, furthercomprising: instructions stored on the medium for determining a targetedrotational speed for the electric motor shaft for heating the shaft toreduce electrical runout; and instructions stored on the medium forautomatically controlling rotation of the shaft at approximately thetargeted rotational speed.
 13. The computer-readable medium of claim 1,further comprising: instructions stored on the medium for determining acooling rate for the slow roll sensing area of the shaft.
 14. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 1, further comprising: instructionsstored on the medium for automatically controlling a cooling rate of theslow roll sensing area of the shaft.
 15. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 1, further comprising: instructions stored on the medium forautomatically monitoring the temperature of the shaft during cooling.16. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, further comprising:instructions stored on the medium for receiving information indicativeof a second electrical runout of the slow roll sensing area of theshaft.
 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, further comprising:instructions stored on the medium for determining that the firstelectrical runout value exceeds a predetermined threshold.
 18. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 1, further comprising: instructionsstored on the medium for determining that a second electrical runout isbelow a predetermined threshold.